Leica Geosystems unveiled a new series of automatic self-leveling construction lasers for precise grade control in level, single or dual slopes. The Rugby 300 single-grade laser and Rugby 400 dual-grade laser are designed to be used in a wide range of applications, including building pads, parking lots and runways, precise depth control for sub base and fine grade excavation, installing septic and gravity flow pipe for drainage, concrete forming and framework, retention ponds, and setting foundations and footings. They are fully compatible with Leica Geosystems machine control systems, including the MC200 for excavators, MC1200 for motor graders, and control systems based on Leica CAB laser sensors for dozers, scrapers, box blades and similar equipment. The Rugby 300 provides -5 to +25 percent grade control in a single axis, while the Rugby 400 offers -5 to +25 percent in either axis and -5 to +15 percent in both axes. The Rugby 400 also offers an optional two-way handheld remote control. The new waterproof, dustproof Rugby levels are ruggedly built for the toughest construction site environment. The high-impact composite housing with protective rubber overmolding and cast aluminum base ensures the highest stability and protection against rough handling. The head is fully enclosed, providing maximum protection to internal components. The Rugby lasers are designed with a high-performance power management system that provides up to 130 hours of continued operation. The instruments offer real-time grade matching and easy-intuitive operation with only five buttons.

Also, Leica Geosystems introduced SpiderNET, a new module for GPS Spider V2.0 for Network RTK. SpiderNET provides consistent high accuracy and improved RTK performance over the entire network region, with even larger distances between reference stations. SpiderNET draws on the latest zero-difference processing techniques for maximum reliability, maximum performance, maximum flexibility and maximum security. SpiderNET rover systems benefit from improved RTK performance, homogenous solutions and better availability of network corrections. Network corrections can be provided based on the upcoming standard RTCM V3.0 Master Auxiliary Network correction messages, which are fully integrated in Leica MAX technology. For rover equipment not yet supporting the new RTCM V3.0 Network RTK messages, Leica i-MAX technology within GPS Spider can provide network performance by individualized correction information transmitted using conventional single baseline RTK message formats. (Leica Geosystems, Norcross, Ga.)